Visa guides
Know the paperwork before you accept the offer
Every ESL market has a different definition of “ready to hire.” These guides show the visa, documents, timing, costs, and common mistakes before you commit to a school.
Documents
Degree copies, apostilles, background checks, transcripts, and medical checks.
Timing
When to start, what can delay you, and when a school can issue final paperwork.
Next action
Country guide, job board, or resume submission once you know the path.
Asia
5 guidesSouth Korea
E-2 Visa (South Korea)
Korea's standard work visa for native-English ESL teachers. Bachelor's, criminal check, sealed transcripts.
China
Z Visa (China)
China's work visa for foreign teachers. Two years' work experience, TEFL, and a notarized background check required.
Japan
Instructor Visa (Japan)
Japan's visa for K-12 ALT and public school teaching roles. Bachelor's required, native-English speaker preference.
Vietnam
Work Permit and TRC (Vietnam)
Vietnam's combination of Work Permit plus Temporary Residence Card. Bachelor's + TEFL + health check.
Thailand
Non-Immigrant B Visa (Thailand)
Thailand's work visa for foreign teachers. Bachelor's + TEFL + Thai teacher license (waiverable for first 2 years).